The first hands-ons have appeared with VisionOS, the operating system of the Apple Vision Pro headset. This is possible because Apple has released an SDK with an emulator, so that developers can already get started with the software.
The SDK can be downloaded from Apple’s site and therefore it is now also possible to run the emulator. For example, it appears that VisionOS has a ‘Guest Mode’, with which users can create a password for a guest. That password is valid for a maximum of five minutes and then expires. Guests cannot see any personal information, but end up in their own environment. The ability to have multiple accounts has long been a much-requested feature for iOS and iPadOS, but it’s not included.
In addition, you can see the onscreen keyboard, which has round keys and is slanted upright in the 3d environment. The interface also contains familiar elements such as ‘control center’ with toggles and an overview of notifications. Apps work with 2d window and those windows remain active in the background. The software indicates which window is active by means of shadows and lighting. Windows automatically fade as they move to the edge of the image.
Apple announced the Vision Pro earlier this month. The VR glasses will be released in the US early next year for $ 3499. Nothing is known about a release in the Benelux, but it will probably follow at least months later.
